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Pictures and Video From the Massive ‘New York Stands With Israel’ Rally in Manhattan

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A “New York Stands With Israel” rally drew a massive crowd in Dag Hammarskjold Plaza in midtown Manhattan Monday. The energetic crowd — which numbered around 10,000 people, according to the Israeli publication Haaretz — waved American and Israeli flags as lawmakers and religious leaders spoke.

TheBlaze’s Mike Opelka attended the rally and captured these photographs:

Photo: Mike Opelka/TheBlaze

Photo: Mike Opelka/TheBlaze

Photo: Mike Opelka/TheBlaze

New York Senator Chuck Schumer (D) spoke at the event, declaring that there can be no cease-fire until “Israel gets rid of Hamas’ weapons, the tunnels, the rockets and everything else.”

“Ladies and gentlemen, there has been, we all know, a terrible loss of life on both sides,” Schumer said. “People weep, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, children.”

“We all regret, we all weep for those who were lost,” he continued. “But let us not forget, one word describes why there are so many innocent who died: Hamas.”

Many in the crowd shouted “Hamas!” with the senator. Watch video of the speech:

Consul General Ido Aharoni added: “This is not a coincidence, that the world’s largest display of support for the state of Israel at this difficult moment is taking place right here in New York City.”

Opelka described the scene as “packed, wall-to-wall from 1st Ave. to 2nd. Ave.”

Photo: Mike Opelka/TheBlaze

Photo: Mike Opelka/TheBlaze

Photo: Mike Opelka/TheBlaze

Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) told the crowd, according to Haaretz: “Israel has always prevailed and Israel will prevail this time, too. Israel today, Israel tomorrow and Israel forever.”

The event opened with the U.S. national anthem, and many in the crowd sang along: